Comparison and Development Prospects of Coalbed Methane Technologies in China and Abroad

Abstract

Coalbed methane (CBM) possesses the triple attributes of being an energy source, a greenhouse gas, and a mine disaster gas, making it a critical target for increasing reserves and production of unconventional natural gas, as well as for coal mine safety governance. This paper systematically reviews the current status of CBM development technologies in the United States, Australia, Canada, and China through literature review and case analysis. It focuses on comparing the technological path differences among these countries in terms of resource endowment, well type selection, reservoir stimulation, and drainage systems. Research indicates that North America and Australia have formed mature models centered on vertical wells or multi-seam co-production, primarily targeting shallow, medium-to-low rank, and high-permeability coal seams. Under the conditions of high-rank, low-permeability, and deep-buried coal seams, China has developed characteristic technologies such as "geology-engineering integration," horizontal well volume fracturing, and full life-cycle drainage, achieving breakthroughs in the medium-shallow high-rank coals of the Qinshui Basin and the deep coal rock gas of the Ordos Basin. Future efforts should continuously focus on sweet spot evaluation and construction, deep fracturing and intelligent drainage, green and low-carbon development, and policy synergy to enhance the safety, economic viability, and strategic support capacity of the CBM industry.